May 2014 – October 2015

Recoding Organizational DNA

The Purpose

The Patterson Foundation developed Recoding Organizational DNA as a way for organizations to address complex community issues — such as homelessness — through a series of six labs to help transition agencies to engaging, system-centric, and outcome-measured organizations.

Strengthening the Impact

Partnering with national expert Dr. Robert Marbut, who issued 12 recommendations to the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County in Florida, The Patterson Foundation sought to facilitate the approach to homelessness from enabling the homeless to engaging them, from agency-centric to system-centric, and from measuring outputs to measuring outcomes. By the end of the six labs, the participants understood this approach and had an appreciation for the depth of change (with staff, volunteers, donors, and board members) necessary to make the transition. As a result of the six labs, the trust that was built created a common language and stronger relationships among people and organizations.

FAQsClick on frequently asked questions below to learn more about this initiative...

Why did The Patterson Foundation support this initiative?

The Patterson Foundation supported strengthening the efforts of people, organizations, and, ultimately, the community in Sarasota, Florida, through this initiative by providing organizations the opportunity to learn, explore, share, and challenge assumptions in a safe and productive setting.

Who participated in Recoding Organizational DNA?

It is important to note that many of the 16 organizations that participated in Recoding Organizational DNA were already working together on certain programs, and many were funded by other foundations in the area. Each was actively involved in their specific area of homelessness.

Recoding Organizational DNA was structured to allow the CEOs, board members, and key staff of nonprofit organizations working in the homelessness space to discuss, share, learn, and act. Beginning in May 2014 and continuing into October 2015, members of these organizations met monthly to discuss homelessness and build relationships: